In its latest edition of the ‘World Factbook’, the CIA has categorised the two far-right Hindu organisations under "political pressure groups"—a used to describe organisations that are either involved in politics or exert political pressure, but do not contest elections.

A furious VHP has demanded an apology from the intelligence agency. VHP’s joint general secretary Surendra Jain has called the categorisation “highly objectionable and far removed” and even “anti-India”, warning the CIA of protests unless it rectifies its entry.

“How can an organisation like CIA which is responsible for making of Osama Bin Ladin and endangering the world with jehadi extremism make such allegations against a nationalist organisation,” Jain said, calling for the central government to intervene.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is a member of the Sangh Parivar, a right-wing umbrella comprising Hindu organisations led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising five eminent persons as trustees.

The Tribune, the largest selling English daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the paper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.